Vehicle utility ladder

ABSTRACT

A ladder constructed for reaching an elevated surface or object and having a bow-shaped configuration so that the reach may extend further from the base on which the footing of the ladder rests, the ladder being configured to reach areas such as the roof of a vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and is a divisional of, applicationSer. No. 12/384,697 filed on Apr. 8, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,215,453,the complete contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to ladders and more particularly toladders that may be used in locations which are partially obstructed,and, in particular, to reach the tops of vehicles.

2. Brief Description of the Related Art

Ladders have been widely utilized for allowing a person to reach ahigher location in order to reach objects or perform certain work tasks.Ladders are devices that are positioned at a location so that a user mayreach the desired elevated location. Many ladders are constructed from aseries of horizontally spaced apart rungs which are mounted between twovertical supports. One type of ladder provides two vertical supports andis commonly referred to as a fixed ladder. In some cases, the fixedladder may be provided with an extension that slides to provideadditional height when needed. This latter type of ladder is referred toas an extension ladder.

Another popular type of ladder is a step ladder. Step ladders aretypical of the ladders for general household use, and usually areconfigured as an A-frame with two vertical sections joined together atone end and forming an angle. Step ladders may be a couple of feet, ormay be on the nature of ten to fifteen feet, or greater. However, asA-frame type step ladders increase in height the separation of thevertical sections also must increase. The step ladders generally areconstructed so that the vertical sections may fold on each other tofacilitate moving and storing the ladder.

Step ladders have certain drawbacks. Because the ladder must adequatelyprovide stability, the vertical ladder sections must be separated fromeach other on the ground. The top of the ladder, where the verticalladder sections are hinged or joined, is therefore positioned at alocation between the span of the vertical legs. In other words,considering a step ladder where the legs rest on the ground and areseparated by about six feet, the top of the ladder generally will beinward about three feet from each vertical section. This means that asone climbs the ladder rungs and elevates his or her position, he or sheis more centrally located. The step ladder, therefore, has limitationson positioning and how close one may be able to come to an elevatedstructure or object.

A fixed ladder or extension ladder, for example, may be placed upagainst a wall. However, the ladder generally is at least a fixedlength, at a minimum, and therefore, must be positioned away from thewall to provide the correct reaching height. In addition, the fixedladder top (the portion resting against the wall) will be nearest thewall, but locations along the ladder such as half-way up the ladder,would be remote from the wall. This happens because the ladder generallyis not designed to be vertically positioned, but must be angled in amanner to provide stability. If one needs to reach only a location atthe top of the resting point of the fixed (or extension) ladder, thenthe ladder may be suitable. However where one desires to reach a pointlower, the ladder may prove too distant from the surface desired to bereached. One therefore may require multiple ladders of different lengthsin order to reach different locations.

A need exists for a ladder which may provide a user with the ability toreach elevated surfaces and facilitate access to a vertical or lateralsurface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A ladder is provided which has the capability to facilitate reaching anelevated surface or object. According to embodiments of the invention,the ladder has a bow-shaped configuration so that the reach may extendfurther from the base on which the footing of the ladder rests.Preferred embodiments of the ladder are provided to reach the top of avehicle preferably without interfering with mirrors, handles, trim orother items on the vehicle.

The ladder, according to preferred embodiments, may be constructed withsections that are collapsible and receivable within other sections, sothat the ladder may be stored and transported in a compact form. Theladder may be telescopically constructed so that leg sections may bereceived within other leg sections.

According to embodiments, the ladder may be extendible to differentlengths by configuring the number of sections that telescope outwardrelative to the compact form (where ladder sections may be storedtogether, collapsed, (i.e., unextended)). According to embodiments, theability to select the length of the telescopic extension or a range ofchoices of length for the extension may be provided.

The ladder may include a locking mechanism to lock the desired sectionsin place to provide further support to the ladder structure whenerected.

One example of the use of the ladder is that it may be set against asurface to form an arc, where the bowed configuration of the ladder mayspan over an object or obstacle, such as, for example, a counter, and bepositioned under another object or fixture, such as, for example, ashelf.

The ladder has utility in connection with a wide range of applicationswhere prior ladder types are not suitable. For example, automobiles,such as sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and trucks tend to have heightsthat make it difficult for a person to reach the roof or top. Access tothe vehicle top often is required in order to clean or prepare thesurface, attach luggage (to a luggage rack or carrier), or mount itemssuch as roof racks and cargo carriers. Often, one finds some assistanceby standing on the door jambs or bumpers. However, in some instances,standing on the door jambs or bumpers may damage the vehicle, and,moreover, where the activity involves washing the vehicle, opening adoor to stand on the jamb or transom may cause water to enter the cabinof the vehicle, as it is difficult to clean a vehicle's top withoutwater or soap dripping from the top.

The present invention provides a convenient device for reaching the topsof large vehicles, such as trucks and SUV's. The configuration of theladder, according to embodiments, is provided having a bowed shape, andincludes footing that may rest on the ground or floor, as well aselements that may rest against or attach to a vehicle. According to someembodiments, the ladder has a resting element, which, preferably, isconstructed from a soft or resilient material in order to provideprotection against surface scratches on the surface that the ladderengages.

According to embodiments, the ladder has a base which may include feetthat are designed to be placed on a surface, such as the ground, tosupport the ladder.

According to preferred embodiments, the foot may be provided with aportion that is adjustable to stabilize the ladder on uneven surfaceconditions. According to some embodiments, the foot may pivot or rotateto rest on a surface at a desired position.

The device may be constructed with extensions provided on one or more ofthe ladder legs or leg sections that enable the height of one leg to beadjusted relative to the other leg. For example, according to someembodiments, each side leg may have an adjustable member which may bepositioned so that the ladder may be stabilized to rest at a levelposition, such as, for example, when one leg of a ladder is resting on astep. These and other advantages may be provided by the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a right side elevation view of a ladder according to my newinvention shown in an environment where a surface mounted element, suchas a cabinet, is mounted on a wall and another element, such as acounter, is protruding out from the wall.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the ladder of FIG. 1, shown apartfrom the environmental objects (the wall, cabinet and counter).

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of adjacent leg sections showingan example of tracks and grooves employed for facilitating collapsingand extending the ladder.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view showing the ladder in a collapsedcondition.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of alocking pin shown with ladder sections illustrated in partial view.

FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view showing the terminal leg section ofa ladder (in partial view) according to the invention with an alternateend portion.

FIG. 7 is a right side elevation view showing the terminal leg sectionof a ladder according to the invention with an alternate end portionincluding a hook element.

FIG. 8 is a right side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of aleg section showing an adjustable leg portion and sleeve.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a ladder according to my invention shownwith optional holding elements for holding items on the ladder.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a vehicle configured with a holderfor holding the ladder.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a vehicle showing the ladder ofFIGS. 1-5 with the alternate end portion of FIG. 6, the ladder beingshown in a side elevation view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A ladder 10 is provided for facilitating access by a user to elevatedlocations proximate to a structure or near an obstacle. Referring to theexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown abow-shaped ladder 10 having a first side leg 11 and a second side leg 12with a plurality of rungs 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 disposed between thefirst side leg 11 and second side leg 12. The rungs 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18 are supported on the first side leg 11 and second side leg 12, andpreferably, are connected to thereto. The environment depicted in FIG. 1represents an example of a potential use for the ladder 10. The ladder10 is shown supported on a floor or ground surface 100. Though theladder 10 is illustrated having a particular bowed arc, the ladder 10may be constructed with an arc that is dimensioned for the environmentor applications for which the ladder will be used.

The ladder 10 is configured with a series of leg sections (21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26 and 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) which are connected to form theladder structure. The first leg 11 is shown having a plurality of legsections, and in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2,includes six leg sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 which are connected toform one side of the ladder 10. The base leg section 21 is shown havinga resting element illustrated as the first foot 41. Each intermediateleg section 22, 23, 24, 25 preferably connects at each end to a seriallyadjacent next leg section (e.g., the base leg section 21 in the case ofthe second leg section 22, and the terminal leg section 26 in the caseof the near terminal leg section 25). The upper leg section 26, which isa terminal leg section in the exemplary embodiment, terminates theladder first leg 11. Similarly, a plurality of leg sections 31, 32, 33,34, 35, 36, including a second base leg section 31 and a second terminalleg section 36, are also shown in the exemplary ladder embodiment inFIGS. 1 and 2. A second foot 42 is provided on the second base legsection 31. Though the ladder 10 is illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment with intermediate sections, other embodiments may providefewer or greater numbers of leg sections depending on the reach andstrength for which the ladder is designed, or both.

A resting element 38, 39, such as, for example, a gripping sleeve or aplastic or rubber like element or coating, may be provided on the end ofeach terminal leg section 26, 36 to facilitate stabilizing the ladder 10against a surface that the ladder 10 engages, such as the wall surface102 shown in FIG. 1. The ladder 10 is shown having a first foot 41 and asecond foot 42. In FIG. 1, the second foot 42 of the second leg portion12 rests on the ground 100. Though the ground 100 is illustrated to besubstantially level, in the event uneven ground or surface isencountered, the foot 42 (as with the first foot 41, see FIG. 2) may beadjustably provided as a movable member so that the second foot 42 maybe positioned at a location on the ground to stabilize the ladder 10.

According to one embodiment, the feet 41, 42 may comprise traction feet(including rubber grips or the like) that may be pivotally connected tothe lower or base leg sections 21, 31, respectively. For example, thetraction feet 41, 42 may be constructed as illustrated in FIG. 13 ofU.S. Pat. No. 7,222,696, issued on May 29, 2007, the complete disclosureof which is herein incorporated by reference. Alternately, a rotatablegrommet, not shown, may be used to mount one or both feet 41, 42 to itsrespective base leg section 21, 31, so that the position of the tractionfeet 41, 42 may have rotational degrees of freedom for facilitating thestabilization of the ladder 10 on uneven surfaces. FIG. 2 illustrates anexample of positionable feet 41, 42, where mounting arms 43, 44 andfastening elements, such as mounting pins 45, 46 secure the respectivemounting arms 43, 44 to the base leg sections 21, 31.

The ladder 10 is shown having a bow-shaped configuration that archestoward the surface 101 of the wall 102. In the environment illustratedin FIG. 1, the ladder 10 is shown supported against the wall 102. Theenvironment illustrated in FIG. 1 has a first obstacle, which forexample may be a cabinet or counter 103, and an overhanging object 104(such as a wall cabinet, oven, or other item). The bow-shapedconfiguration may be provided with different arcs depending on theembodiment.

The ladder first leg sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and second legsections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 preferably are provided having acollapsible configuration so that the leg sections may be collapsed tofacilitate storage of transport of the ladder 10. According to oneembodiment, the leg sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 31, 32, 33, 34,35, 36 are provided having a tubular configuration being dimensioned andsized so that one leg section may be received, either fully orpartially, within another leg section. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, a preferred embodiment of a collapsing arrangement is provided.Two leg sections 22, 23 are shown collapsed, where each leg section 22,23 (i.e., those above the base leg section 21) are received within alower or adjacent leg section. The ladder rungs 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18are disposed on the leg sections of the first leg 11 and second leg 12at locations so that the rungs 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 may stack when theladder 10 is configured to its collapsible condition, as represented inFIG. 4, (or otherwise be positioned and arranged to permit the ladder 10to be collapsed). According to one embodiment, the ladder rungs 13 areprovided so that they are located at positions along the leg sections21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 which permit the legsections to be telescoped outward for forming the extended ladder 10(FIG. 2) and retracted by collapsing the sections to minimize the ladder10 (FIG. 4) for storage or transport. The ladder rungs 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18 may be attached to a leg section with suitable attachment means,such as, for example, adhesive, bolts or other suitable fasteningmechanisms. Alternately or in addition to the fastening elements, therungs 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 may be molded with one or more of the legsections. According to alternate embodiments, the ladder 10 may beprovided with rungs that are configured to collapse horizontally.

According to another embodiment, the ladder leg sections may beconstructed having a conical or frustoconical configuration, whichpreferably is angled or arched in a particular direction. Embodimentsalso may provide leg sections having different lengths and with degreesof arc so that the bow shape is accentuated or minimized, depending onthe desired use of the ladder. For example, the lower portion of theladder 10 may be configured having less of an arc than the upperportion. The leg sections may be dimensioned and sized to accommodatethe change in the arc so that the ladder 10 may be collapsed andextended, as needed.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the ladder leg sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,36 of the second side leg 12 are shown having a bow-shape and arch overa first obstacle 103 and span toward the wall surface 101 to engage thewall 102 at a location above the second obstacle 104. The ladder 10 isconveniently positioned to facilitate access to the locations adjacentto the span of the ladder 10. The ladder rungs 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18begin furthest from the wall 102, with the lower rung 13, and graduallyapproach the wall 102 over the length of the ladder first leg 11 andsecond leg 12 (see the ladder 10 shown in the view of FIG. 2illustrating the rungs).

The ladder 10, according to a preferred embodiment, has a bowedconfiguration and is constructed to collapse so that it is shorter andmore manageable to store and transport. One preferred arrangementinvolves constructing the leg sections so that each subsequent legsection is received within another leg section, preferably a lower legsection. Engaging elements may be provided to facilitate sliding of theleg sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36. Oneexample of engaging elements includes a track and groove arrangementemployed to facilitate sliding of the leg sections relative to eachother. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where first leg ladderleg sections 22, 23 are provided with a track and groove arrangement. Asingle set or a plurality of tracks and grooves may be provided, and maybe arranged to be spaced apart from each other or arranged adjacently.Referring to FIG. 3, the track 49 and groove 53 are vertically disposedalong the leg sections 23 and 22, respectively. Leg section 23 is shownreceived within the base adjacent leg section 22. A track 49 isillustrated being provided on the exterior 50 of the base adjacent legsection 22 of the first leg 11. Groove53 located on the interior of thebase adjacent leg section 22 is matingly configured to engage with thetrack 49 of the leg section 23 so that that serially upper next adjacentleg section (e.g., leg section 23) may move along and be guided withinthe base adjacent leg section 22. Though a single track 49 isillustrated, additional arrangements and configurations of tracks, orpairs of tracks, including oppositely situated tracks (not shown), maybe used to further facilitate movement and stability of the leg sections21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36. Preferably themovement of the leg sections is accomplished by sliding movement, wherea leg section, such as the leg section 23, slides along another legsection, e.g., the base adjacent leg section 22, to extend or collapsethe ladder 10 (depending on which way the relative sliding occurs). Thebase adjacent leg section 22 in addition to having first engagingelements, such as, for example, the track 49, may include furtherengaging elements, such as, for example, the groove 55 provided on theinterior 57 of the adjacent leg section 23. Grooves may be formed bydepressions provided in the interior of a leg section. Alternatelygrooves may be formed by ridges or other elements. Preferably, the legsections are constructed having compatible shapes so that a nextadjacent section may be received within a lower section. Though FIG. 3illustrates two leg sections 22, 23, the other leg sections may besimilarly configured. In addition, arrangements of engaging elements,though shown on interior and exterior leg surfaces, may be provided onone or the other or both. The leg sections, when extended, securethemselves in the extended configuration so that the ladder 10 may beused. Though not illustrated in the sections shown in FIG. 3, a lockingmechanism may be used in conjunction with adjacent ladder leg sections.

A locking mechanism may be employed to lock the leg sections of a ladderleg together. The locking mechanism may be actuated when the legsections are extended (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) to hold the legsections in place so the ladder 10 may receive a force load, such as theweight of a person using it. Preferably, the locking mechanism isdisengageable so that the ladder 10 may be collapsed when desired.

According to another embodiment, a locking mechanism, such as thosedescribed herein, may be used in conjunction with the enlarged and/orconstricted configuration. The locking mechanism may include elementsprovided at the ends of the leg sections, so that the locking may beaccomplished when the leg sections are extended. The ladder length,bowing arc, or both, may be controlled by providing a plurality ofalternate locking positions along the leg sections to permit the legsections to lock at one or more designated positions relative to anotherleg section. The location and arrangement of the locking elementspreferably are provided so that the selected location option providesall or a sufficient number of rungs to be available. For example, wherea locking mechanism includes a lock pin (or pins), the receiving member,such as a pin receiver or bore, may be provided proximate the end of aleg section, and perhaps also at a point a bit further from the end ofthe leg section to provide an additional positioning option for the legsections.

According to one embodiment, locking pins, which may be spring loaded,or mechanically engageable, may lock the leg sections of each ladder leg11, 12 in an extended arrangement when the leg sections 21, 22, 23, 24,25, 26 and 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are expanded from the collapsibleconfiguration (see the FIG. 4 configuration). One example of a lockingpin arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 5, where a biasing mechanism,such as a spring 70, is provided in a housing which generally may be theladder rung 14, as shown. The spring 70 biases pins 72, 73 throughapertures 74, 75 and 76, 77 provided in the walls of adjacent legsections, such as the leg section 22 and adjacent leg section 23. Stops78, 79 may be provided on the pin shafts 81, 82, respectively, toprevent the pins 72, 73 from moving entirely through the apertures. Thepin shafts 81, 82 also may be dimensioned to serve as stops, in additionto, or alternative to, the stop 78, 79. The housing or rung 14 may beused to contain the spring 70 and stops 78, 79 as well as the pin ends72, 73. The stops 78, 79 are movable through the slots 84, 85respectively to withdraw the pins 72, 73 to collapse the ladder 10. Oneexample of a locking pin arrangement that may be utilized is thatprovided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,915, the complete disclosure of which isherein incorporated by reference, where a retractable pin is biased witha spring to extend through an aperture to prevent the ladder fromcollapsing.

A spring element (not shown) may be provided in one or more leg sectionsto bias the leg sections to an extended configuration. A stop or othercontrollable actuator may be provided so that the spring actuation iscontrolled so as not to bias the ladder to extension until desired. Thestop or actuator may include a release to disengage the stop and enableextension of the ladder 10. The spring element (not shown) preferably ispositioned and dimensioned so that it does not interfere with theengaging elements, such as the groove 52 and track 49 (FIG. 3).

According to another embodiment, the leg sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26and 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 may be configured to be larger (in width ordiameter) at one end and have reduced widths or diameters at anotherend. In this arrangement, the constricted dimension portion mayfacilitate retention of an adjacent leg section. Accordingly, anadjacent leg section may have an enlarged lower portion so that when theadjacent leg section, such as, for example, the base adjacent legsection 22, is extended from the base leg section 21, the base adjacentleg section 22 may not be entirely removed from the lower adjacentsection (the base leg section 21). Accordingly, other adjacent legsections, such as those 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,36, may be constructed with larger and/or constricted dimensions.

Optionally or in addition to the features provided, the ladder 10 mayinclude an adjustably provided leg section. Preferably, one or more ofthe lower base leg sections may be adjustably provided so that it may bepositioned in one of a range of different lengths. For example,according to an alternate embodiment, a leg section 127 is illustratedin FIG. 8 having a sleeve portion 127 a and slidable leg portion 127 b.A set screw 128 and adjustment knob 128 a are provided to secure theslidable leg portion 127 in a position relative to the sleeve portion127 a of the leg section 127. A plurality of threaded adjustmentapertures 129 are shown disposed in the slidable leg portion 127 b sothat the leg section 127 may be configurable to be of a height (orlength) desired by a user. Though not shown, the other leg of the ladder10 may be constructed with the alternate base leg section configurationsimilar to the leg section 127 shown and described in FIG. 8. Theadjustment is useful when an uneven surface is encountered, such as astep or slope, for example, where one side of the ladder 10 is at anelevated level (e.g., on a step) relative to the other side (e.g., onthe ground). In addition, the foot 130 illustrated as being connected tothe slidable leg section 127, alternately may be provided as a tractionfoot, such as those 41, 42 described and shown herein. According toanother embodiment, the lower leg sections 21 and 31 may be constructedwith the adjustment mechanism shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.6,729,440 issued on May 4, 2004, the complete disclosure of which isherein incorporated by reference. According to yet another alternateembodiment, the adjustable leg portion may be constructed with anexterior track system, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,306issued on Feb. 17, 1998, the complete disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference. Another alternate embodiment of an adjustmentmechanism for the ladder 10 may be configured with a lock pin, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,696 issued on May 29, 2007, thecomplete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

According to a preferred embodiment, the ladder 10 may be configured tomate with the contour of a vehicle, such as, for example, the edge ofthe roofline of an automobile 200 (FIG. 6). The terminal leg section,such as those 26, 36, or an attachment thereto, such as, for example, agripping element 38, 39 (FIGS. 2 and 4), may have a matingly associatedconfiguration that matches the contour of the top edge of a vehicle.This may be useful for carrying out work on the vehicle, such as, forexample, installing roof racks, washing or detailing the vehicle, orrepairing the vehicle (e.g., a sunroof panel).

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a contour feature of the ladder 10,showing one embodiment of a contour terminal element 90. The contourterminal element 90 may, for example, be constructed as part of aterminal leg section of the ladder 10, or alternately, or in additionthereto, may include a terminal element, such as the contour componentor gripping mechanism 91 which maybe removably attachable to theterminal leg sections 26, 36 (or the ladder end, such as a ladder rung,e.g., the highest rung). The contour component 91 is illustratedincluding attachment means shown as a fastening element 92 which securesa flange 93 of the contour component 91 to the terminal leg section 26of the first side leg 11. The contour component 91 preferably isconstructed from or has a surface portion 94 which is made from amaterial, such as natural or synthetic rubber, or other elastomeric typematerials, which facilitate gripping a surface and minimizing orpreventing scratching of the surface. Though FIG. 6 shows a singlefastener element 92, another fastening element and flange may beprovided to secure the contour component 91 to the upper leg section 36of the second ladder leg 12. According to an alternate embodiment, thecontour component 91 may be connected to the leg section 26 with aswivel joint to allow for vertical and lateral positioning of thecontour component 91, as well as potential rotational positioning. Theswivel joint may be positionable and lockable to a desired position. Oneor more pivot or swivel axes may be used to connect the grippingmechanism. The gripping mechanism 91 may be provided on each terminalleg section 26, 36 of the ladder 10 so that each gripping element 91 maybe positionable independent of the other (i.e., the gripping element onthe other one of the terminal legs 26, 36).

In addition to a swivel joint, or as an alternative, the grippingmechanism may be provided to have an extendable arm so that the grippingmember 91 may be positioned closer to or further from a surface. Forexample, where a wall has a protruding structure, the extendible armspermit one aim to be at one extendible length and another arm to be at adifferent extendible length so that each gripping element 91 of eachterminal leg section 26, 36 is able to engage the wall (or otherstructure), thereby facilitating stability of the ladder 10. Theextendible arms (not shown) may be configured with a track and groovearrangement, as well as a set screw (which may have a hand-tighteningknob) so that the arms may be slid into or out of a terminal leg section26, 36 (or other leg sections, if desired) to which the arms aremounted. Locking pins, stops, teeth or other elements may be used tosecure or facilitate positioning and retention of the arm at a desiredextended position relative to the leg sections.

Referring to FIG. 7, alternately, the gripping mechanism may beconfigured as a hook element 107. The hook element 107 may beconstructed from or covered with a finish or material that will notscratch a vehicle surface. The hook element 107 may be attached to theterminal leg sections 26, 36 in any of the same manners described hereinwith the other gripping elements, such as the contour element 91.Preferably a hook element 107 is attached to each terminal leg section26, 36. The hook element 107 may be provided to attach to a roof rack ofa vehicle so that the ladder 10 is supported, and, further, may beprovided in pairs, with one hook element 107 connected to the terminalleg section 26, 36 of the ladder 10. According to a preferredembodiment, the hook element 107 and the bow-shape of the ladder 10preferably may be constructed so that the ladder 10, when used with avehicle, permits the user to reach the top of the vehicle and positionthe ladder 10 so it does not scratch or otherwise damage the vehicle.The hook element 107 further may be configured as a claw or other gripto be matingly associated with a structure on the vehicle to which it isdesigned to connect (e.g., roof rack or rail).

Though the hook element 107 may be configured as a stationary member,according to a preferred embodiment, the gripping mechanism may beprovided as a foldable member, such as the foldable hook element 107.The foldable hook element 107 may be constructed with a pivot joint 108and include a spring locking mechanism and release button 109 so thatthe hook element 107 may remain in its upright, unfolded position foruse, or be folded and remain folded for storage (shown in phantom inFIG. 7). Alternately, the hook element 107 may be configured for use inthe folded condition where the hook element 107 may serve a dual purposegripping element function when the hook element 107 engages against asurface, such as, for example a wall. According to one embodiment, afolding mechanism used to connect the hook element 107 to the ladder legsections 26, 36 may be constructed as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.7,322,583 issued on Jan. 29, 2008 to Daniel Kim, the complete disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

A holding mechanism for holding objects also may be provided. Theholding mechanism may be constructed with one or more holding elementsthat are configured for holding items at a location proximate to theside legs 21, 31 of the ladder 10 in convenient reach to users. Theholding mechanism may include holding elements, such as, for example,shelves, sleeves, rings or other members. Referring to FIG. 9, oneembodiment of a holding mechanism is shown including rings 140, 141, 142designed to holding objects. The rings 140, 141, 142 may be constructed,for example, like the rings disclosed in U.S. design Pat. No. D306,507.The rings 140, 141, 142 may be secured with straps 143, 144, 145, clampsor other suitable attachment means. The rings 140, 141, 142 may be sizedhaving diameters that may accommodate and hold items that may be usedwith the ladder 10, such as, for example, a can (e.g., wax), a bottle, arag, or other products. The rings 140, 141, 142 may be detachablyprovided so that they may be removed from the ladder 10 when they arenot needed, and replaced as needed. Though not shown, holding elements,such as, the rings 140, 141, 142 illustrated in FIG. 9, may have aconstruction with a swingable joint (not shown) so that the rings arecollapsible to fold alongside the ladder sides 21, 31 for facilitatingcollapsing and storing the ladder 10.

The ladder 10 may be finished with a coated or painted surface for usewith vehicles. The ladder 10 may be painted and finished to match thevehicle color. For example, the ladder 10 may be collapsible for storagein a vehicle, or may be supplied with a storage device, such as ahousing, track, rack or the like, which may be constructed and designedto accommodate the ladder 10 (e.g., in a collapsed condition) forstorage. FIG. 10 illustrates a vehicle 500 with a holder 510 for holdingthe ladder 10. Though not shown, the holder 510 may include retainingmembers, such as, for example, straps grooves, or other suitableelements for securing the ladder 10 on the holder 510. The ladder 10 maybe sized and contoured for use in conjunction with the vehicle, so thatthe use of the ladder 10 enables reaching the top of the vehicle.

FIG. 11 shows the ladder 10 in use with a vehicle 600. The ladder 10rests on the vehicle roof edge 601. Though not shown, the vehicle 600may have a holder for holding the ladder 10 when the ladder 10 is in itscollapsed condition (see FIG. 4).

While the invention is broadly described, other modifications andvariations within the spirit and scope of this invention may be made.For example, the leg sections according to some embodiments may beconstructed from liquid metal, titanium, graphite, or other metalliccompounds, as well as plastic materials. Though preferred constructionsof the ladder may be made from metal, plastic or combinations thereof,other suitable materials may be used, such as those materials havingsufficient strength to support the weight (such as that of a person)required for the use of ladder.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bow-shaped, collapsible, telescopic ladder,comprising: a plurality of bowed-shaped sections, telescopicallyconnected in series, the plurality of sections including a top sectionand a bottom section; the plurality of sections being configured suchthat when extended in series and retracted for storage the ladder formsa bowed shape that extends from the bottom section to the top section;the top section having a gripping mechanism comprised of a neo-foammaterial and being mounted on said top section for contacting andgripping a surface; the bottom section having a foot for stabilizing theladder; each section respectively having a locking release mechanism tosecure the respective section in an extended position when desired andfor releasing the respective section to permit it to be retracted whenthe ladder is to be stored, and each section respectively has two legsconnected by a rung; and storage means for storing said ladder on avehicle; wherein each section has an upper end and a lower end, andwherein each section is smaller in cross-sectional width at its upperend relative to its cross-sectional width at its lower end.
 2. A vehiclehaving a top and at least one side and including: storage means forstoring a ladder; a bow-shaped, collapsible, telescopic ladder,comprising: a plurality of bowed-shaped sections, telescopicallyconnected in series, the plurality of sections including a top sectionand a bottom section; the plurality of sections being configured suchthat when extended in series and retracted for storage the telescopicladder forms a bowed shape that extends from the bottom section to thetop section; the bottom section having a foot for stabilizing thetelescopic ladder; each section respectively having a locking releasemechanism to secure the respective section in an extended position whendesired and for releasing the respective section to permit it to beretracted when the telescopic ladder is to be stored, and each sectionrespectively has two legs connected by a rung; and wherein each sectionhas an upper end and a lower end, and wherein each section is smaller incross-sectional width at its upper end relative to its cross-sectionalwidth at its lower end; said telescopic ladder having gripping means forgripping engagement with said vehicle, wherein said gripping means isconfigured to conform to one or the other or both of said vehicle topand said at least one side of the vehicle.
 3. The vehicle of claim 2,wherein the sections are constructed from one or more of the groupconsisting of: liquid metal, titanium, graphite, and metallic compounds.4. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the sections are constructed fromplastic materials.
 5. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein said grippingmeans comprises a gripping mechanism that is extendible.
 6. The vehicleof claim 2, wherein the vehicle has a contour, wherein the telescopicladder is configured for use with said vehicle, and wherein saidgripping means comprises a gripping mechanism having a shapecorresponding with the contour of said vehicle.
 7. The vehicle of claim2, wherein each of the telescoping sections has at least one leg andconnecting means that connect adjacent sections of said telescopingsections to each other, said connecting means comprising engagementelements disposed along each telescoping, and wherein each of saidlocking release mechanisms comprises a spring loading mechanism with anactuatable release to release a spring from a first compressed conditionto a second extended condition where said telescoping sections areextendible by said spring release.
 8. The vehicle of claim 2, whereinsaid device is finished to match or coordinate with a color of at leastone of said vehicle top and said at least one side.
 9. The vehicle ofclaim 2, wherein said top and at least one vehicle side join to form ajoining location having a contour, and wherein said gripping means isconfigured to correspond with the contour of said joining location. 10.The vehicle of claim 2, wherein said storage means comprises acompartment for receiving said telescopic ladder therein, and whereinsaid storage means is capable of having retaining members for securingsaid telescopic ladder within said compartment.
 11. The vehicle of claim2, wherein said telescopic ladder and said vehicle are finished tomatch.
 12. The vehicle of claim 2, further comprising holding meansprovided on said telescopic ladder for holding items.
 13. The vehicle ofclaim 12, wherein said holding means comprises one or more of rings,shelves or sleeves.
 14. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein said rungs aredisposed on the sections, said rungs being vertically spaced apart fromeach other, said rungs being arranged in a bowed configuration when thetelescopic ladder sections are extended.
 15. The vehicle of claim 2,wherein said sections comprise at least one first set of bowed-shapedtelescoping sections forming a first telescopic ladder side and at leasta second set of bowed-shaped telescoping sections forming a secondtelescopic ladder side, and-wherein each of said first set ofbowed-shaped telescoping sections and said second set of bowed-shapedtelescoping sections respectively comprises at least one leg sectionthat is received within at least one other leg section of said first andsecond sets of bowed-shaped telescoping sections respectively.
 16. Thevehicle of claim 2, said rungs being vertically spaced apart from eachother, and said rungs spacing respective sets of said two legs to whichsaid rungs connect, wherein said plurality of rungs are arranged in abowed configuration when the telescopic ladder sections are extended.17. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein said gripping means comprises agripping mechanism comprised of neo-foam, and wherein said grippingmechanism is mounted on said top section for contacting and gripping asurface.
 18. A ladder for facilitating reaching over an obstacle, saidladder comprising: a first side leg section and a second side legsection; said first side leg section being constructed from a pluralityof leg sections; said second side leg section being constructed from aplurality of leg sections; rungs disposed between said first side legsection and said second side leg section, said rungs being verticallyspaced apart from each other, and spacing said first side leg sectionfrom said second side leg section, wherein said first side leg sectionplurality of leg sections and said second side leg section plurality ofleg sections comprise bowed sections respectively, and wherein each ofsaid plurality of leg sections respectively form an arch shaped ladderconfiguration for reaching over an object; wherein said first side legsection and said plurality of leg sections forming said first side legsection are bowed in a first direction and connected to define a majorladder length, said plurality of connected first side leg sectionsforming said first side leg section are serially arranged so that thereis at least one first side leg base section and at least one additionalsection connected thereto, wherein said plurality of first side legsections and said plurality of second side leg sections are collapsible,said plurality of first side leg sections are tubular respectively andat least one of said tubular leg sections is received within another ofsaid tubular leg sections when the ladder is collapsed; and wherein eachof said first side leg section and said second side leg section has anupper end and a lower end, and wherein each of said plurality of legsections of said first and second side leg sections respectively issmaller in cross-sectional width at its upper end relative to itscross-sectional width at its lower end; and wherein said ladder includesstorage means for storing said ladder on a vehicle.
 19. The ladder ofclaim 18, wherein said second leg section has at least one base legsection, and wherein each said at least one base leg section has atleast one adjustable portion that can be extended to lengthen at leastone of said first side leg section and said second side leg section. 20.The ladder of claim 18, wherein at least one leg section of said firstside leg section and at least one leg section of said second side legsection respectively comprises a terminal leg section having at leastone engaging element provided thereon for engaging a surface, wherein aswivel joint is provided on each of said terminal leg sectionsrespectively, and wherein each said at least one engaging element isconnected to a respective one of said terminal leg sections with arespective one of said swivel joints, each said engaging elements beingpositionable throughout a range of positions for facilitating engagementwith a surface.